When it comes to surface treatments, thermal spray processes are a popular choice and are used in numerous industries.
There is some versatility when it comes to the materials which can be used for plasma coatings. Common examples of materials that can be used for plasma coatings include aluminium, stainless steel, bronze, chromium carbide, tungsten carbide, and titanium.
What is surface preparation?
Surface preparation is a crucial stage in all surface treatment processes. If done correctly, it can ensure high coating quality, but, if overlooked, it can cause a number of issues.
The surface must be prepared correctly to enable proper bonding of the substrate and the coating. To achieve this bonding, the substrate must be cleaned and then the surface must be roughened.
Cleaning
The first step is to clean the substrate so that any oils, oxides, or other contaminants are removed. If any contaminants do remain, they can cause a barrier between the substrate and the coating which can negatively impact the overall coating quality.
The best way to do this is to use a comprehensive degreasing process which utilises a special degreasing solution. These are usually either water or solvent-based.
Thermal Plasma Spray Experts
Thermal plasma spray is a popular surface treatment offering several benefits. If you are interested in this, there are a number of specialists, such as https://www.poeton.co.uk/surface-treatments/thermal-metal-sprays/plasma-coatings/, who offer a selection of options when it comes to surface treatments, including thermal plasma spray.
Roughening the surface of the substrate
Prior to spraying, the surface of the substrate needs to be roughened. This is done to encourage adhesion.
The most commonly used method for doing this is grit blasting. This involves the use of compressed air to ‘fire’ pressurised particles at the substrate’s surface. This creates small pits or crevices on the surface which will result in a texture that feels similar to sandpaper. The size and composition of the particles used will depend upon the specific attributes of the coating and substrate, with aluminium oxide, garnet and chilled iron being popular choices.
